Madeira is introducing a new reservation system for PR walking trails, with mandatory registration, paid access and time-slot bookings. There is no cash payment on-site — all bookings are made online via the official SIMplifica platform. After creating your SIMplifica account, the process is simple: choose your trail, select a slot and confirm payment. This guide explains each step clearly — plus a 60-second video walkthrough to help you understand everything quickly.
- All visitors must book online via SIMplifica (Madeira residents pay no fee, but must still book a slot)
- Fee: €4.50 per person (€10.50 for PR1)
- Same-day booking possible if slots are available
- No cash payment on-site — digital confirmation required
- Guided tours: Certified operators with IFCN protocol handle reservations and may qualify for a reduced protocol rate (you don't book separately)
- Multi-day passes available — but individual tickets work out cheaper for most tourists, so do the sum before you buy one
- Open daily: Full trail open — one way only, Pico do Areeiro to Achada do Teixeira
- Return planning: Book a transfer from Achada do Teixeira back to Funchal — or leave your car at Pico do Areeiro and return the same way
- Price: €10.50 per person. Book via SIMplifica
Why You Now Need a Reservation for Madeira's Trails
Starting in 2026, all official PR walking trails in Madeira require:
- Online payment (€4.50 per person)
- Mandatory time-slot reservations
- Registration on the SIMplifica platform for every visitor (including children)
These rules apply to all visitors, including those on guided hikes. Madeira residents pay no access fee, but must still book a time slot like every other visitor.
You can still book on the same day (if slots are available) — but popular trails may sell out, especially during peak hours and weekends.
If you book a guided hike with a certified operator (RNAVT/RNAAT with IFCN protocol), they handle all reservations and may pay a reduced rate through their protocol agreement — you don't need to book separately.
Browse certified guided hikes →
How to Pay the Hiking Fee (Step-by-Step)
All trail payments and reservations are made through the official SIMplifica portal . Before choosing a trail, you must create your SIMplifica account — this is required for all visitors, including children.
- Create your account on the SIMplifica portal and log in
- Select the PR walking trail you want to hike
- Choose the date of your visit
- Select an available time slot
- Enter the details of all visitors (mandatory for all ages)
- Pay the access fee online (€4.50 per person)
- Receive your digital confirmation and QR code via email
Your confirmation may be requested by Nature Wardens at the trail entrance, especially on PR1 and other high-demand routes.
- Take a screenshot of your confirmation in case of weak signal at the trailhead
- Add the QR code to your phone's home screen for quick access
- If hiking with a certified guide, they normally handle the reservation process
If you plan to start early, for a sunrise hike, check whether special authorization is needed before you book. Always confirm the latest guidance on SIMplifica or contact IFCN before planning early starts.
Use our complete guide to choose the right trails, check weather, and prepare safely: Madeira Levada Walks Guide →
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What Changes in 2026?
The Regional Government and the IFCN confirmed several updates:
- Standard fee increases to €4.50 for all visitors (general public)
- PR1 Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo has a higher price (€10.50). Open daily — one way from Pico do Areeiro to Achada do Teixeira.
- Reservations become mandatory for every PR trail
- Slots are limited and allocated in time windows to regulate daily hiking capacity
- Multi-day passes (1-day, 3-day and 7-day options) are now available — but individual tickets are cheaper for most tourists
These changes aim to protect sensitive areas, improve trail safety and reduce overcrowding during peak hours.
Understanding Multi-Day Passes (And When They Actually Save Money)
SIMplifica offers multi-day passes for visitors planning multiple hikes — but they don't always save you money. For most tourists doing a handful of trails, buying individual tickets (€4.50 each) works out cheaper.
Multi-day passes only save money if you hike many trails. For most tourists, individual tickets are cheaper. Work out your own trail count against the table above before buying a pass.
For most tourists: Buy individual tickets (€4.50 each) — it's cheaper and more flexible unless you are packing in a lot of trails in a short window.
Consider a pass only if: your trip involves an intensive hiking schedule — compare the pass price against buying tickets one by one for the trails you actually plan to do.
Pass Restrictions You Should Know
- PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo) is excluded from all multi-day passes — you must book it separately (€10.50)
- Consecutive days only: a multi-day pass covers a run of consecutive days, not random days spread across your trip
- Minimum 2 trails required: Passes are only valid for 2+ trails (you can't use a pass for 1 trail)
- Time slots still required: Even with a pass, you must book specific time slots for each trail
Check current availability and detailed terms on SIMplifica.
Certified guides handle all reservations and ensure safety during your walk.
See guided hikes in Madeira →
Where to Book Your Trail Slot
All reservations must be made through the official SIMplifica portal — the only valid system used by the IFCN to manage entries, fees and time slots.
This platform is updated with real-time capacity, available time slots and official trail alerts.
Use our interactive map to explore routes, viewpoints and starting points:
Madeira Interactive Map →
Which Trails Require Reservation & Payment?
The new 2026 system applies to all official PR (Percursos Recomendados) walking trails managed by IFCN. Below is the complete list of trails requiring online booking and payment through SIMplifica.
These trails sell out fastest, especially on weekends and peak season:
• PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Achada do Teixeira, daily, one way) — €10.50
• PR6 (Levada das 25 Fontes) — Most famous levada walk
• PR8 (Ponta de São Lourenço) — Iconic coastal trail
• PR9 (Levada do Caldeirão Verde) — Waterfall hike
• PR11 (Vereda dos Balcões) — Easy, family-friendly viewpoint
Complete List of PR Trails Requiring Reservation
- PR1 | Vereda do Areeiro (até Pedra Rija)
- PR1.1 | Vereda da Ilha
- PR1.2 | Vereda do Pico Ruivo
- PR2 | Vereda do Urzal
- PR5 | Vereda das Funduras
- PR6 | Levada das 25 Fontes
- PR6.1 | Levada do Risco
- PR6.2 | Levada do Alecrim
- PR6.3 | Vereda da Lagoa do Vento
- PR6.4 | Levada Velha do Rabaçal
- PR6.5 | Vereda do Pico Fernandes
- PR6.6 | Vereda do Túnel do Cavalo
- PR6.7 | V. Câmara de carga do Rabaçal
- PR6.8 | Levada do Paul II
- PR8 | Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço
- PR9 | Levada do Caldeirão Verde
- PR9.1 | Caldeirão Verde (acessível)
- PR11 | Vereda dos Balcões
- PR12 | Caminho Real da Encumeada
- PR13 | Vereda do Fanal
- PR13.1 | Vereda da Palha Carga
- PR14 | Levada dos Cedros
- PR15 | Vereda da Ribeira da Janela
- PR17 | Caminho do Pináculo e Folhadal
- PR18 | Levada do Rei
- PR19 | Caminho Real do Paul do Mar
- PR21 | Caminho do Norte
- PR22 | Vereda do Chão dos Louros
- PR1 (Porto Santo) | Vereda do Pico Branco e Terra Chã
- PR2 (Porto Santo) | Vereda do Pico do Castelo
Unofficial levada walks and non-PR trails (without official IFCN signage) do not require reservation or payment — but may lack maintenance, safety measures, or clear signage. Always prioritize official PR trails for the safest experience.
Not sure which trail to choose? Explore our interactive map with trail details, difficulty ratings, and starting points: Madeira Interactive Map →
FAQ — Quick Answers
Can I pay on-site at the trail entrance?
No. There is no cash payment on-site. All payments are handled online via the official SIMplifica platform (digital confirmation required).
Can I book on the same day (last minute)?
Yes — you can book for the same day or the next day if time slots are still available. For very popular trails (like PR1, PR6 25 Fontes) and peak hours, slots can sell out, so booking ahead is recommended for peace of mind.
How far in advance should I book?
There's no fixed rule, but for high-demand routes (especially PR1) and weekend slots, booking well ahead is safer than leaving it to the last minute.
Do I need a booking for every person (including children)?
Yes — every visitor must be registered, regardless of age. Check SIMplifica directly for any child pricing that may apply.
Do guided tours still need a reservation?
Certified guides and tour operators (RNAVT/RNAAT with IFCN protocol) handle all reservations for their groups and may pay a reduced rate through their protocol agreement — you don't need to book separately.
See guided hikes in Madeira →
What if I don't have mobile signal at the trailhead?
Take a screenshot of your confirmation (or download the QR code PDF) before you go — that's usually enough if asked by Nature Wardens at the entrance.
Can I change my time slot or get a refund?
Refunds or rescheduling are guaranteed only when IFCN officially closes or restricts a trail (due to weather, safety, or maintenance). In these cases, you can reschedule (if slots are available) or request a full refund.
For personal changes of plans: Cancellation and refund policies may vary — always check the terms on your booking confirmation or contact SIMplifica directly for clarification.
Should I buy a multi-day pass or individual tickets?
For most tourists: buy individual tickets (€4.50 each) — it's cheaper and more flexible unless your trip is a heavy hiking schedule.
Compare the pass prices in the table above (€9 for 1 day, €22.50 for 3 days, €52.50 for 7 days) against what your own trail list would cost as individual tickets, and buy whichever is cheaper.
Remember: PR1 (Pico do Areeiro) is excluded from all passes and must be booked separately (€10.50).
Which trails are most likely to sell out?
Typically the most iconic ones — especially PR1 (Pico do Areeiro → Pico Ruivo), PR6 (25 Fontes), and peak-hour slots (morning and early afternoon). If you want sunrise or weekend hikes, booking earlier is strongly recommended.
Do Madeira residents need to book?
Residents of the Autonomous Region of Madeira (RAM) pay no access fee, but they still need to book a time slot on SIMplifica like everyone else.
Updated for 2026 · Based on official information released by IFCN (Institute for Forests and Nature Conservation).
